A couple of weeks ago, I pondered why Oklahoma seems to get a pass when it comes to the discussion of prospective national title contenders, given the Sooners’ recent track record in BCS games.

Here’s a reminder of that track record:

DEFENSELESS IN BCS

Oklahoma has given up an average of 41.8 points in its last four BCS games – all losses:

Season

Opponent

Bowl

Score

2003

LSU

Sugar

L, 21-14

2004

Southern California

Orange

L, 55-19

2006

Boise State

Fiesta

L, 43-42

2007

West Virginia

Fiesta

L, 48-28

Not pretty. But Bob Stoops has the explanation for it. It’s those pesky players. You know, the ones he recruits and coaches.

“There’s a lot that happens between the Big 12 championship and the bowl game,” Stoops said. “We were without three starters. And we’ve got to do a better job, even if guys are subbing for them. But then you’ve got to manage those outgoing seniors who have already graduated and are entering the NFL.

“You’ve got juniors that are going into the NFL. You’ve got agents all over the place. There’s a lot that changes from the Big 12 championship to the BCS bowls. And obviously, we’ve got to do a better job of it here.”

These are apparently problems unique to Oklahoma, which I presume by this has played four straight BCS games against teams that had no players going pro. So what does that say about Stoops’ coaching of late in the big game?

One response to ““Obviously, that part of it is solid.””

Quote Of The Day

“The only thing he’s promised me is he’s going to play the best player and that’s the only promise I want,” (Justin) Fields said in an interview on WSB-TV. “I just feel like I bring another aspect to the game with my legs. They’re both great quarterbacks. Of course, they were five-stars in high school. They’re just like me, but I just feel like I bring something different to the table with my ability to run the ball. I always like a challenge, I always like competition. I feel like competition isn’t going to do anything but make another person better. I’m not afraid of a challenge.”– AB-H, 10/11/17